Report of
FNCA 2011 Workshop on Research Reactor Network Project

October 24-27, 2011
Daejeon, Korea

FNCA 2011 Workshop on Research Reactor Network (RRN) was held from October 24 to 27 2011, in Daejeon, Korea. This Workshop was hosted by Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan.

This project is a new project from 2011, mainly the research/test reactor and isotope production in their countries were reported and their possible regional network in Asia was discussed.

Day 1 (October 24)
Opening remarks by Dr. Choi, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), and Mr. Ishizaka, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) were delivered followed by the opening speech by Dr. Machi, FNCA Coordinator of Japan. In Session 1, Dr. Machi, gave a presentation on the achievement of 10 FNCA projects and the scope and objectives of the Research Reactor Network project as a new project. All member countries presented the country reports on research/test reactor and their applications in Session 2 and on isotope production and its applications in Session 3, then they discussed.

Day 2 (October 25)
In Session 4, the presentations on the possible regional network for cooperation on utilization of research /test reactor were given, and followed by the round table discussion. In Session 5, Australia, Japan and Korea gave a presentation on the reactor application: Neutron doping to silicone for semiconductor production. In Session 6, the presentations on the possible regional network for isotope production and stable supply of isotopes by the countries that have research reactors.

Day 3 (October 26)
Continuously, in Session 6, Dr. Ido gave a lead speech followed by the round table discussion. In Session 7, Dr. Machi gave a lead speech followed by the round table discussion. In the afternoon, the participants visited main facilities in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), namely the multi-purpose research reactor HANARO and RI facilities.

Day 4 (October 27)
In Session 8, wrap-up of the WS including presentation of short summary report for FNCA 12th Ministerial Level Meeting was summarized. The Workshop drew to a successful close with closing remarks by Dr. Choi and Dr. Machi.

Dr. Machi, FNCA Coordinator of Japan presented the reports on the Achievement of Projects in 2010-11 and the FNCA Ministerial Meeting and introduced the Scope and Objectives of the Project on Research Reactor Network which was approved at the 11th Ministerial Meeting.

Representatives of 11 participating countries introduced the status and challenges of research reactor operation, applications and management, and plan of new reactors followed by comments and questions.

Major applications of research/test reactor in member countries are: isotope production, gemstone coloring, NAA, NRG, SANS and training for HRD.

5.

Plans of new research reactors in Vietnam and Korea were reported, and Thailand will finalize a plan for construction.

Session 3Country Report on Isotope Production and Its Applications: Chaired by Mongolia and Kazakhstan

6.

Representatives of 11 participating countries introduced the status and challenges of production of isotopes for medical and industrial application. Presentations were followed by comments and questions.

Dr. Machi stated that the objective of the session is to first understand: (1) the possible offers from Group 1 countries which have larger capacity reactor, namely Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan and Korea who use high flux beams for such applications as neutron scattering, neutron diffraction and cold neutron beam for material science , and fuel/material test facility, and (2) obstacles in conducting research using reactors in Group 2 countries which have a small reactor or no reactor, namely Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam and their expectation on support of Group 1 countries.

9.

Representatives of Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan and Korea (Group 1 countries) presented papers on technical details of their research/test reactors and major applications followed by comments and questions.

10.

Representatives of Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam presented papers on technical details of their research reactors and limitations of capacity and instruments followed by comments and questions.

11.

Dr. Kaminaga presented lead speech on possible cooperation by JAEA focusing on HRD for research reactor, the R/D of Mo-99 production by n-gamma, and a conceptual design study for next generation research/test reactor.

12.

Through round table discussion on regional net-work for cooperation on utilization of research /test reactors, the followings were agreed for future actions:

(1)

Information exchange; sharing experience/knowledge on research/test reactor is highly beneficial particularly for Group 2 countries for their planning new reactors and up-grading reactor

(2)

Compilation of a detailed data base of technical data on existing research/test reactor of member countries by filling out a common format to be prepared by Japan

(3)

Member countries identify items which need the support of other countries in reference to above mentioned compiled technical data

(4)

Group 1 countries are ready to support Group 2 countries in planning and HRD by responding to specific requests

(5)

Group 1 countries invite scientists and engineers from Group 2 countries in order for them to conduct research using their reactor/facilities

(6)

Funds for the HRD should be explored by Group 2 countries including national fellowship and IAEA fellowship, and by Group 1 countries. Japan has a Nuclear Researchers Exchange Program inviting nuclear scientists and engineers to work in Japan. JAEA also have a training program for students studying research/test reactor application. KAERI also have fellowships.

Australia, Japan and Korea presented reports on current status and future plan to produce Si semiconductor underlining the importance of NDT to produce high quality product.

14.

Currently world capacity of NTD is not sufficient to meet the world demand. Korea has a plan to produce NTD Si of 40 tons/year by using their new RR after 2016. Indonesia will increase production of NTD Si.

Session 6Possible regional net-work for isotope production and stable supply of Isotope: Chair by the Philippines

15.

Dr. Ido reported worldwide status and challenge of Mo-99 underlining essential role of Mo-99 for nuclear medicine globally and the possible shortage crisis due to the aging of operating reactors producing Mo-99 in Canada and the Netherlands and future global balance between production and demand of Mo-99 based on OECD/NEA 2011. He gave the capacity of Mo-99 production in Asia Oceania region, such as Australia-OPAL 1000Ci/w, Indonesia-MPR-30 200Ci/w; China-CARR 1000Ci/w (2015); Japan-JMTR (n,γ) 250Ci/w (2014); Korea-HANARO + New Reactor 1000Ci/w (2016).

16.

Dr. Kaminaga of Japan reported the development of production technology of Mo-99 by n-gamma reaction by using PZC absorbent and pointed out there are still technical challenges to be solved before commercial application.

17.

Dr. Kwang Jae SON gave a presentation on "Challenges of Co-60 production in Korea". He reported market status worldwide. The annual demand amounts to US$210 million for 60MCi. MDS Nordion is the major supplier and has 83% share of world market.

18.

Dr. Kwang Jae SON also reported that the Korean nuclear power company is reluctant to use their CANDU reactors for commercial production of Co-60 even through Co-60 production has strong enough economic benefits. Planned production capacity of Co-60 by the new Korean research reactor is 100 kCi per year and is not enough for export.

19.

Mr. Druce of ANSTO reported the production plan of Mo-99 using OPAL pointing out that production capacity of OPAL can be expanded to 3000 Ci/week by enabling ANSTO to export to FNCA countries. He also noted that difficulty can arise with transport cask approval.

20.

Mr. Druce also stressed the need for back-up arrangements in case of reactor shutdown, which could be done by the FNCA network.

21.

Mr. Yusi YULIANTO of Indonesia stated that supply of Mo-99 from PT BATAN Teknologi is 130 Ci/week by using BATAN reactor from HEU and LEU. He mentioned that BATAN can increase Mo-99 production by improving facilities if it has more customers.

Session 6 (2)Round Table Discussion on possible regional net-work for isotope production and stable supply of isotopes: Chaired by Malaysia

22.

Dr. Ido presented lead speech on regional net-work for isotope supply and proposed FNCA network should be for production stage (upstream). He mentioned CJK and AO network are mainly for product distribution (downstream).

Session 7 Future PlanChair: Mr. Druce, Australia

23.

Dr. Machi proposed a future action plan in 2012 to which comments were made for change and addition.

Session 8Conclusion and Recommendation: Co-Chaired by Korea/Australia

24.

Dr. Machi proposed a draft of the summary report and conclusion/ recommendation of the workshop.

25.

Conclusions/recommendations were discussed paragraph by paragraph to make necessary changes reflecting participants comments.

26.

A revised version of the summary report and conclusions/ recommendations will be circulated to the participants before it is finalized.

Conclusion and Recommendation

1.

The Meeting agreed that the FNCA Network of Research Reactor is essential for better coordination of planed production of medical isotopes to meet demand of member countries, and highly useful for sharing experience and knowledge on improving the application of research reactor technology.

2.

The Meeting noted that the networks are necessary at both RI production stage (up-stream) and products distribution stage (down-stream), and agreed that FNCA should provide up-stream network because down-stream network should be set in commercial sector.

3.

The Meeting agreed that the network should work for coordination of schedules of Mo-99 production in member countries to ensure stable supply including mutually backing up production.

4.

The Meeting noted that the total capacity of production of Mo-99 will be sufficient in FNCA region by using OPAL, CARR, RSG-GAS, JMTR and the new Korean reactor to be commissioned in 2016.

5.

The Meeting recommends that FNCA to hold a meeting to define the specific functions and scheme of the net-work and determine the necessary steps to set-up the network. Participation in this meeting should be undertaken by major supplier and consumer countries (Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea) within 6 months, and results should be reported to the next project workshop.

6.

The Meeting noted that the importance of harmonization of the required quality of the RI products with an international or regional standard.

7.

The Meeting noted that the overseas transportation of medical RI has some difficulty in terms of government regulation and standardization of container or cask design, which should be addressed at the government level.

8.

The Meeting agreed that the FNCA countries which have large research/test reactors and good experience in using these reactors for R/D should support other member countries through possible technology transfer, information exchange and training for HRD.

9.

The Meeting agreed that the development of n-gamma technology for production of Mo-99 is important in view of waste management and non-proliferation. Therefore, the project should enhance R/D collaboration among member countries.

10.

The Meeting proposed that the FNCA project in the 1st phase should focus more on networking RI production by research reactor, and reactor technology related with RI production, such as design of irradiation facilities and instruments since invited participants is limited to one per country.

11.

Regarding research/test reactor design, radiation technology, radiation facility, the meeting suggests (1) the parallel session should be arranged for experts whose travel expenses should be borne by member countries or project workshop or (2) the 2nd phase of the project should focus on these subjects.

12.

The meeting noted the importance of holding technical meeting focusing on specific technology including NTD for Si semiconductor production and n-gamma technology for Mo-99 production.

13.

The meeting suggested China or Indonesia the next workshop in 2012.

14.

The meeting agreed on the plan of action in 2012 as follows:

Plan of Action in 2012

1.

Preparation of a proposal of FNCA regional net-work of isotope production to secure stable supply of isotopes. This should occur at an ad-hoc meeting to be arranged in March 2012 with participation of Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea (possible place of the meeting is in China or Indonesia)
- Lead countries: Japan (the largest consumer), Australia (major supplier using OPAL), Korea (potential major supplier of RI by using new reactor in 2015)

2.

Adaption and harmonization of FNCA regional standard for QA/QC of isotope production with EU standard (including analytical techniques)
- Lead countries: Japan, Korea, Indonesia and China

3.

Preparation of a plan of cooperation for the development of technology to produce Mo-99 by n-gamma reaction
- Lead countries: Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan

4.

Preparation of updated document of future demand and supply of Si semiconductor by neutron doping in Asia years to come
- Lead countries: Australia and Korea

5.

Preparation of the program of cooperation for the conceptual design study for the next generation multipurpose test/research reactor for HRD
- Lead countries: Japan

Note: Lead countries are responsible to prepare draft material before next workshop in 2012

Ad-Hoc RRN Project Meeting in March, 2012 • Participating countries: Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea
• Period: 3 days
• Place: China or Indonesia (TBD)
• Objectives: To prepare a draft of the regional network to ensure production and supply/distribution in member countries
• Major agenda items of the meeting

1.

The status of existing downstream (distribution of RI) network in the Asian region, such as CJK cooperation and Asia Oceania meeting (including member countries and action plan)

2.

Plan of RI production using RR in Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea in 2012-15

3.

Plan of distribution of RI to end-users in own country and overseas in 2012-15

4.

Balance of production and distribution in the FNCA member countries

5.

Work scope of the network for RI production (upstream)
- scheme of coordination among research reactors (RR) producing RI in member countries, such as setting coordination committee
- scheme for coordination between production network and distribution (downstream) network
- harmonization with national scheme or policy for RI production and distribution in each country

6.

Agreement of member countries for necessary actions

7.

Review report of trend and policy of world-wide network by such as NEA and IAEA

Note: Representatives of participating countries should be well prepared to present papers on above items, which should be circulated to participants in advance

< Session 6 > Possible regional network for isotope production and stable supply of isotopesChair: the PhilippinesPresentation from Japan
: Worldwide status and challenge of Mo-99
Development of production technology of Mo-99 by n-γ reaction technology
Presentation from Korea
: Challenge of large Co-60 source supply for industrial application
Development of production technology of Mo-99 by n-γ reaction technology
Possible supply of medical isotopes produced by planned new reactor to FNCA countries
Presentation from Australia
: Plan of supply of Mo-99 and medical isotopes produced by OPAL to FNCA countries
Presentation from Indonesia
: Development of production technology of Mo-99 by n-γ reaction technology and supply of medical
isotopes to FNCA countries